How should drivers respond to a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended?

When a school bus is stopped with its stop sign extended, the correct response for drivers is to stop their vehicle in both directions. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children who are getting on or off the bus. Stopping allows for a safe environment where children can cross the road or approach the bus without the threat of oncoming traffic.

The law specifically states that when the stop sign is extended, vehicles must come to a complete stop regardless of the direction from which they are approaching the bus. This includes vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, as children may not always be visible or mindful of oncoming cars when crossing the street. Thus, stopping ensures that all moving vehicles are halted until the bus turns off its stop signal and it is safe to proceed.

This law is crucial for protecting the most vulnerable road users—children—by minimizing the risk of accidents in school zone areas.